Product classification
HS code for Laundry detergent: 3402.50
Washing and cleaning preparations, powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail sale.
Classification of laundry detergent under HS 3402.50
Laundry detergent is classified under HS code 340250, which covers surface-active preparations and washing preparations put up for retail sale. This classification is found within Chapter 34, which deals with soap, organic surface-active agents, and washing preparations. The primary criterion for this code is that the product must be a preparation intended for washing or cleaning and must be packaged for direct sale to consumers (retail sale). These preparations typically contain organic surface-active agents that facilitate the removal of dirt and stains from textiles. The classification excludes simple soaps (which fall under 3401) and industrial-scale preparations not packaged for retail. The inclusion of various forms, such as powders, liquids, or pods, does not change the classification as long as the chemical composition and retail packaging requirements are met. This code ensures that consumer cleaning products are taxed and regulated consistently across borders.
- Covers
- Powdered laundry detergent in retail boxes
- Liquid laundry detergent in bottles
- Laundry detergent pods or capsules
- Detergent flakes for retail sale
- Washing granules containing surface-active agents
- Also under 3402.50
- Tide Powder
- Ariel Powder
- Finish Dishwasher Powder
- OxiClean Powder
- Comet Cleanser
Codes often confused with 3402.50
Common mistake. A common error is classifying retail detergent under HS code 340290, which is reserved for industrial or bulk surface-active preparations not put up for retail sale. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 3401, which is strictly for soap in the form of bars, cakes, or molded shapes. If the product is a stain remover stick, it might also be confused with 3401.
Top exporters and importers of HS 340250 (the code used for laundry detergent), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 340250 (the code used for laundry detergent) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.6% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 340250, not only laundry detergent.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.7B 8.6% of world exports
- 2 Poland $1.7B 8.5% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.5B 7.7% of world exports
World total: $20.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $2.3B 11% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.3B 6.4% of world imports
- 3 France $1.3B 6.1% of world imports
World total: $20.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for laundry detergent
Brazil classifies laundry detergent under NCM 3402.50.00: HS 3402.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about laundry detergent
What is the HS code for Laundry detergent?
The HS code for Laundry detergent is 340250 (Washing and cleaning preparations; powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail sale). The HS code for laundry detergent put up for retail sale is 340250.
How do I classify Laundry detergent for customs?
Laundry detergent is classified under HS code 340250 — Washing and cleaning preparations; powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail sale. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are fabric softeners included in this code?
No, fabric softeners are generally classified under HS code 380991 as finishing agents used in the textile industry or for similar domestic use.
Which countries are the top exporters of laundry detergent (HS 340250)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 340250 (the code used for laundry detergent) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.7B, 8.6% of world exports), Poland ($1.7B) and the United States ($1.5B). World exports came to about $20.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of laundry detergent (HS 340250)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 340250 (the code used for laundry detergent) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.3B, 11% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($1.3B) and France ($1.3B). World imports came to about $20.8B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Laundry detergent the same in all countries?
The base HS code 340250 for Laundry detergent is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for laundry detergent in Brazil?
In Brazil, laundry detergent (HS 340250) is classified under NCM 3402.50.00.